Mumbai square named in memory of slain scribe J. Dey

Mumbai Mayor Snehal Ambekar dedicated a prominent square in Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, in memory of slain veteran journalist Jyotirmoy Dey on Wednesday.

The square is close to venue where Dey was killed by motorcycle-borne gunmen on June 11, 2011 and the move was jointly initiated by the Mumbai Press Club and BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation.

Present at the unveiling of the newly-christianed "Journalist J. Dey Chowk" were Dey's widow Shubha Dey, local municipal corporator Chandan Sharma, former Congress minister who is now local legislator M.A. Naseem Khan, Hiranandani Group Chairman Niranjan Hiranandani, Mumbai Press Club President Gurbir Singh, a large number of mediapersons and prominent personalities.

Addressing the gathering, Ambekar recalled Dey's services to society through the media and described him as 'a courageous journalist' whose fearless reports made him popular.

Khan said that media plays an important role in a democracy and highlights various issues and problems. Dey played his role effectively through the media and was also an ideal citizen, he added.

Dey, 56, who was the Investigations Editor with tabloid Mid-Day was gunned down near the same square by henchmen allegedly sent by mafia don Chhota Rajan Nikhalje who was deported from Malaysia in November 2015.

Currently lodged in New Delhi's Tihar Jail, the Dey murder is among the six-dozen odd serious cases the don is being tried for.

After the naming ceremony, a panel discussion on the growing attacks on mediapersons in the country was held at a nearby venue.

From this year onwards, the Mumbai Press Club launched a "RedInk Veer Patrakar Award" as an additional category.

The first award in this category was given posthumously to slain journalist from Uttar Pradesh Jagendra Singh, who was killed allegedly at the behest of a Uttar Pradesh minister.

The square is situated opposite D'Mart connecting Central Avenu Road and High Street, comprising a busy junction of Hiranandani Gardens.

--IANS

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